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DR. SHELDON MORLEY CLAMAN
Date of Passing: Dec 19, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. SHELDON MORLEY CLAMAN
The family of Sheldon Claman is saddened to announce his passing on December 19, 2020, at home surrounded by those he loved the most, in person and in spirit. Sheldon was a greatly beloved husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply mourned and dearly missed.
Sheldon was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Teresa (Tess) Claman; his brother Usher Claman; and his cherished son Benny. Deeply feeling his loss are his wife of 56 years, Louise and his three children, Erin (Toronto), Sara (Mardy) and Jeffery. His grandsons, Brett and Seth Yager will miss their zeyda forever and were Sheldon's greatest gifts.
Sheldon was born in Beausejour, Manitoba in 1932. He was the older of two brothers and his father served as the local dentist. In the early 1940s, Sheldon's father, Ben enlisted in the Army and the family relocated to Winnipeg. Tess held down the fort at home on Glenwood Crescent and Sheldon attended school and did the things boys do in their youth with his many neighbourhood friends. Sheldon graduated from St John's High School, but was able to avoid writing final exams by the onset of the flood of 1950. Sheldon and his classmates were dispensed to help pack sandbags in lieu of graduation ceremonies. Following his high school graduation, Sheldon attended the University of Manitoba; as there was no Dental School in Manitoba at the time, he attended the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. During the summers, Sheldon served as an Army Reservist with the Canadian Forces to fund his educational pursuits. He served in the Artillery Corps and the Dental Corps. Upon completion of his DDS, he completed postdoctoral training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Iowa, in Iowa city and at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, in Oklahoma City. Sheldon was a board member and the President of the Manitoba Dental Association and Founder/President of the Royal College of Dentists. He taught oral surgery in both the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and was a member of the Alpha Omega Fraternity. He was an incredibly humble man with a strong sense of integrity which was the basis for how he cared for people throughout his life. Sheldon was a mentor to many, a leader with a strong sense of fairness and compassion which he passed on to his children and especially his grandsons.
In 1963, Sheldon returned to his hometown of Winnipeg to work while he awaited the paperwork which would allow him to return to the US permanently. In May of 1964, he was set up on a blind date by a patient; he would say this meeting changed the trajectory of his life. Sheldon married the love of his life, Louise Hecht on December 22, 1964 and remained in Winnipeg for the rest of his life. Sheldon recently said, on Louise's birthday just weeks prior to his passing that "I made many mistakes in my life, but marrying you (Louise) wasn't one of them". Together, Sheldon and Louise built a life filled with happy memories and family and friends. Although there were challenges along way, Sheldon, with Louise's fortitude continued on building his professional practise, mentoring generations of dental surgeons through his teaching at the University of Manitoba, and assisting in establishing the Faculty of Dentistry, performing surgeries in the St. Boniface Hospital, Misericordia Hospital and briefly at the Victoria Hospital hospital , eventually founding his surgical center which provided a place for dental surgery to be performed outside the hospital system. Sheldon was responsible for bringing the dental implant surgery to Winnipeg, bringing progressive and cutting-edge surgical techniques to patients and professionals alike.
In 1966, Sheldon and Louise had their first child Erin, followed in 1968 by son Benny and in 1970 by Sara. The family was complete when Jeffery was born in 1971. He changing diapers side by side with Louise, and when Louise returned to work evening shifts, Sheldon took on the challenge of caring for four children after his workday was over. Things never went according to the lists laid out by Louise during her absence, but everyone got fed and was happy by the time she arrived home. Sheldon was an avid father, and although he worked extensive hours during his early years in practise, by the time the children were older, he was around home more and willing to help with their homework; until one of their teachers suggested he stop doing their homework and allow the children to do it themselves.
Sheldon cared deeply for all he considered friends, and passionately for his family. Through his life he never hesitated to offer his love and support to his children when times were tough and challenges presented themselves. Although Sheldon and Louise experienced heartache, they also had joy and happiness which was celebrated with the accomplishments of their children and in turn the birth of their grandsons, Brett and Seth. Sheldon and Louise's grandsons embodied the meaning of life and love to all but particularly Sheldon who never ceased to be amazed at their antics and often took part in their mischief, laughing when they were caught "red handed". Zaida was Brett and Seth's right hand man and they knew his love and dedication to them and future they represented to him. Whether it was sitting with Brett as a toddler in a car for hours so Brett could "drive", pretending the shower was a spaceship or proof-reading university papers, Sheldon glowed in the presence of his "prince" Brett. The mere picture of his grandson, Seth could bring a smile to his face even when he was not feeling well and he always counted on Seth to update him on facts about Frank Sinatra and other "Rat Pack" members for which they shared an affinity. On many rides to dialysis, Seth provided his zaida with a playlist of favourites, bringing smiles in a difficult time.
Sheldon's family had the incredible honour of caring for him in his last days, helping Louise ensure that he had what he needed and was comfortable. His dignity and integrity were maintained to the end. He knew that he was beloved and cherished and that Louise would be well taken care of when he was no longer able to do so.
A graveside ceremony for immediate family only was held on December 21, 2020 at Shaary Zedek Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Liebl.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benny Claman Memorial Scholarship Fund at St. John's Ravenscourt School (204-477-2485), Jewish Child and Family Services (204-477-4750) or a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2020
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I have not seen or spoke to Sheldon in 25 years. He was a customer of the business I owned at the time. I moved away and we lost touch but I never forgot him. He gave me $50 to help with new beginning in life, I always remembered that especially considering we were not related. Sheldon was one of the nicest and kindest people I knew. I wanted someone like him to be my father. I truly loved him as a human being, I think everyone who knew him did. He had kind, compassionate and intelligent aura about him that made you feel good just being around him. One day (2024) I was on the beach listening to classical music with headphones and for some reason I remembered Sheldon telling me how he would play classical music in the car just to decompress from work (I did not understand at the time). I decided to google his name and found out that he passed in 2020. I cried under my sunglasses... I am glad I had a chance to know him. He was an amazing person who is greatly missed by many. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Gary B (Friend) on: Sep 04, 2024
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So sorry to hear of Dr. Clamans passing. My condolences to Louise and family. It was such a pleasure working with Dr. Claman at St. Boniface hospital NFA and OR. We had a lot of fun when the brothers were around. The day would be over so quickly cause we had such good times. He is missed. - Posted by: Marilyn (Friend and co worker) on: Aug 27, 2021
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Louise and family, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Sheldon and I shared so many years together with the Can. Assoc. of Oral and MaxilloFacial Surgeons and the Royal College of Dentists each serving as Executive and Presidents, one following the other. My late wife Harriet and I shared so many meetings and meals together with Sheldon and you Louise , and shared the activities of each of our Families. It leaves great memories and respect of Sheldon's great contribution to organised Dentistry. My you be comforted by the great contributions and footprints that Sheldon has made. Your good friend, Frank Lovely - Posted by: Dr. Frank Lovely (Professional Colleague) on: Jan 04, 2021
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Louise and family I was so saddened to read of Sheldons passing. I just wanted to let you know you’re in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Susan Dolinski (Friend of Louise from work) on: Dec 28, 2020
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I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Sheldon. He was a man to be admired, a gentle man of integrity. At the request of those in administration, he and his brother Usher took time away from their busy oral surgical practice to lead the Department of Oral Surgery at the Faculty of Dentistry in the late 1960's. He was an great mentor to all the dental students at that time. His calm and confident manner was an inspiration to me. My condolences to Louise and the family. - Posted by: JAN BROWN (Former student, Colleague and friend) on: Dec 26, 2020
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My condolences to Dr Claman’s family at this time. I worked with him at the Miz OR for many years. He was respected and well like among physicians and staff alike. I’m glad his wife, children and grandchildren had many years to enjoy his special personality. I’m sure he will be sorely missed but may you keep him in your memories always. - Posted by: Bev Lesiuk (Co worker) on: Dec 26, 2020
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So sorry to hear of Sheldon’s passing. Sheldon played a huge role in my life. First, in hiring me sight-unseen as a Dental Intern at the, then, Winnipeg General Hospital as a new dental grad from Scotland. In that year Sheldon and his brother, Ussher, by their example, fired my already kindled interest in Oral and Max-Fac surgery. With a good word from Sheldon I was accepted into the then new teaching Program at Dalhousie University in Halifax. On graduating he invited me to join them in practice in Winnipeg, which I was privileged to do from 1973-78. I owe everything to this man. I simply would never have been able to do what I did without his help and mentorship. You will go down as one of the few very special people who have played a pivotal role in my life. God Bless you and may you Rest In Peace. Colin Foster - Posted by: Colin F. Foster (Mentee/Colleague) on: Dec 26, 2020
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In 1977,I was a’newly minted 33 year old dentist associating in Brandon, when I succeeded in driving a root well into the antrum of a trusting patient. Feeling completely overwhelmed I called Sheldon for needed assistance. He came on the line immediately, calmed me down, explained what to try, and told me to call back if the plan failed. It didn’t. Many years later I had the pleasure of sitting beside Sheldon at Bob Baker’s retirement dinner and I got to thank him again and tell him how his quiet reassurance made such a lasting impression on me. My sympathy goes out to to his family and close friends. He was an exceptional individual. - Posted by: Dan Sullivan (Former student ) on: Dec 26, 2020
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A true gentleman, Sheldon sent me a handwritten letter welcoming me to the oral surgery community upon completion of my residency—I will never forget this act of kindness. Thank you to Sheldon for introducing the profession of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to Manitoba. He fought when necessary to establish our presence in the hospital and created the ability for future generations to practise as we do today. My sincerest sympathies to his family on their loss. - Posted by: Catherine Dale (Colleague and friend ) on: Dec 26, 2020
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My deepest condolences to your family. Your husband and father did much good in the world and really made a difference in the lives of others. May his memory be a blessing. Mark Duncan - Posted by: Mark Duncan (Friend ) on: Dec 26, 2020